Chasing Sunlight

by Bart Hopkins Jr.

Is Burke Dennison just being selfish when he walks out the door on his marriage of over 20 years? Or is he perhaps searching for some answers he needs to regain the potential of that relationship? Can a man make someone else happy if he isn't? Sometimes to have something you need to let it go first. If your reply to the first question above is pretty much an automatic yes, this story probably isn't for you. It's not a fast-moving action thriller, either. And you most likely are not going to laugh out loud or cry, though either of those is certainly possible. The book does contain some philosophical asides, and asks some questions that may provoke thought. And, there is Burke's story.

150 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 12, 2013

About the author

Bart Hopkins Jr. is an ex-surfer, avid hiker and occasional rock climber, chess enthusiast and motorcyclist. He is interested in brain and mind topics and linguistics. Has 2 wonderful grown children and 3 grandchildren. Lives in Texas with his wife Kat. His latest of 9 novels include the story of an anthropologist's stay in a psych ward, One Came Crashing In, and the FBI thriller, Living By The Gun. Give them a read!

Reviews

[Bart Hopkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Burke Dennison isn't your typical main character. He doesn't pretend to be what he's not; he doesn't hold anything back. He isn't a hero, and his decisions aren't always the popular choice…yet, despite some unorthodox maneuvers, Burke grows on you, he's real. You can understand his struggle even if you don't agree with him.

At times intellectual, at times instinctual, Chasing Sunlight is one man's exploration of life, his search for truth.

The book walks a tightrope between the carnal and the cerebral, between waxing philosophical and abandoning rational thought for gut feelings.

A solid book with moments of brilliance. Gives you a lot to think about on top of a great story. Two thumbs up!

Three of my favorite quotes:

"I teach because every once in a while…I see something I've never seen before. gain an insight; two apparently unrelated items come together and something familiar turns odd, turns new."

"Burke has always admired the way cats seem to make their selves comfortable in any odd corner or on a narrow ledge, though in terms of temperament he is really more of a dog person. He likes the outgoing, the emotional, the oafish."

"Truth is always worth chasing. It's just not easy to find."

[Monica Akinyi Odhiambo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got this book and kept thinking this is a must read for me.I thought it was those defying moments kind of books,and it is in all sincerity.Burke is this man who wants to figure out why it reaches a certain time in your life,you get stuck.You have it all,the job,the wife,the kids yet something still seems off.The uncertainty of "What if".Its one of those books that makes you ask yourself questions that most probably you have asked yourself or are yet to ask yourself.Life has always been about conformity and responsibility and routine,and I could understand why Burke felt like he had to leave.You grow up and society has already molded you into what's acceptable and what's not,then you realize later in life,that really you never faced anything,you never were your own self,you were just a projection of what society and your environment has imposed on you.Either way am glad he realized that after all that 'finding-the-answers approach' he want back home.Am glad he took the time off to understand what his fears and issues were.The effort he made to see the Shrink,its commendable.I absolutely loved this book.Fantastic!!!

[Maged Zakher · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyed it

[Kristine · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I don't agree with Burt's way of going about things I do respect the fact that he went all in to find what he was looking for and even embraced areas he was uncomforable with.

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

I won this book with goodreads first reads so first of all I would like to say thanks. Admittedly this is not a book I would generally chose to read but I enjoyed it. Burke isn't your typical main character he says what he thinks, regardless of others. It's an interesting read, worth while reading